PURPOSE: All Situations out of Love

by Nora Oberlin

Age 24, Ohio

I see a vision of myself acting in all situations out of love. That vision is the perfect version of myself, my lifelong goal, and the purpose that gives every moment meaning.

I spent a lot of time growing up overwhelmed by my weaknesses.

I see myself as a mosaic made up of the people who have shaped the experiences of my life. The more people I share experiences with, learning what love looks like in different circumstances, the more I add to my mosaic and the more defined my future self becomes.

The more people I share experiences with, learning what love looks like in different circumstances, the more I add to my mosaic and the more defined my future self becomes.

I spent a lot of time growing up overwhelmed by my weaknesses. Tortured by pain that I had caused someone and overwhelmed with the prospect of changing. Someone told me to stop “beating myself up” over these weaknesses, because they are tied inextricably to strengths. One luke warm example is that my sensitivity allows me to be aware of how people are feeling and act to mitigate any pain caused by a comment or exclusion. Great. This sensitivity also makes me “think too much”, inhibiting a necessary quick response.

When we focus on our character, we are sidetracked by fruitless self-assessment that leads to glorification or pity. Love is a goal that builds and fulfills, based for me, in my belief in God. I feel like “happy” is my reliable emotional base as a result.